Sea level rise impacts in coastal zones: Soft measures to cope with it

Abstract

Sea level rise impacts are projected to cause multiple negative consequences in coastal zones such as coastal erosion, flooding, flood-related health problems, property damage, and socio-economic impacts. Thus, it is imperative to assess adaptation measures to minimize these devastating projections. Several strategies that respond to sea level rise (such as Retreat, Accommodate, Protect) have been developed. Within the Protect Responsive Strategy, “hard” and “soft” adaptation options have been widely implemented in coastal zones. This paper examines several “soft” adaptation options (beach nourishment, dune restoration, afforestation and reforestation, and marine soft engineering technology), which provide interesting possibilities in response to sea level rise in coastal zones. Advantages and disadvantages of these “soft” options are analyzed from an ecological and socio-economic perspective. The paper concludes with proposed recommendations that could support “soft” structure approaches in coastal zone areas.